In view of the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD has ordered respective Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to intensify intelligence-driven operations and coordinated security raids across identified flashpoints in their respective Areas of jurisdiction in the State.

The strategic move is aimed at nipping in the bud any emerging threats of political thuggery, cult-related violence and the illegal possession of firearms, with the overall goal of ensuring a secure and peaceful electoral environment.

The Commissioner noted that credible intelligence reports indicate that certain individuals and groups, acting on behalf of political interests, may be mobilizing youths for violent activities before and during the election period.

He emphasized that the Command will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt public peace, intimidate voters, or undermine lawful electoral processes.

He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains neutral and non-partisan, stating clearly that the duty of the Police is to protect the lives and property of the people, safeguard the integrity of the electoral space, and enforce the law without fear, favour, or political influence.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka

28th October 2025

The Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Godwin Otunla, has celebrated the retirement of 49 officers of the command, describing them as exemplary patriots who served the nation with distinction and integrity.

The event, held at the Idiroko Border Command Headquarters, was graced by stakeholders, journalists, and junior officers who gathered to honour the departing personnel for their years of meritorious service to the Nigeria Customs Service and to the country.

Speaking at the event, Comptroller Otunla said the send-forth ceremony was organized to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of the retiring officers.

“On behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, we decided that our retiring officers, about 49 of them, the highest being a Deputy Comptroller should not just leave quietly. With the support of our stakeholders, we chose to give them a befitting send-forth celebration,” he said.

He explained that the retirees had mentored several younger officers during their service, emphasizing that their legacy would continue through those who learned from their leadership and commitment to enforcement duties.

“Many of these officers were my real strikers in enforcement operations. We recorded remarkable seizures through their efforts, and they did it as a team with their subordinates. The younger ones have surely learned one or two things from them,” Otunla added.

The Comptroller also reflected on the nature of Customs work, describing officers as “task collectors” whose duties often make them unpopular but essential.

“If you ask the public who hates Customs, many will raise their hands because we collect taxes. But if you ask who wants to join Customs, millions will raise theirs. We may not be loved, but we are respected for doing our job,” he noted.

“We collaborate with the immediate community because we can’t do it alone. We are here to protect the people and safeguard the integrity of the nation,” he added.

A highlight of the event was the double recognition of Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC)
Idris Adamu, Coordinator Intervention Ogun I Command, who received two awards, one from Comptroller Otunla for outstanding service, and another from members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in appreciation of his professionalism and strong media relations.

Comptroller Otunla commended CSC Adamu and other retirees for their dedication, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the Nigeria Customs Service whose sacrifices contributed immensely to the success of the Ogun I Command.

“Our officers are leaving behind a legacy of excellence, discipline, and dedication to duty. Their efforts in combating smuggling, securing the borders, and enhancing revenue generation will not be forgotten,” he said.

In his remarks, CSC Idris Adamu “It is with deep gratitude and a profound sense of fulfillment that I stand before you today as I take a bow from active service. Looking back over the years, I feel truly honoured to have served this great institution, the Nigeria Customs Service with dedication, loyalty, and pride.

He continued: “I want to sincerely appreciate the leadership and management team Nigeria customs service and our area controller, Comptroller Godwin Otunla, whose guidance, mentorship, and commitment to excellence have inspired many of us throughout our careers. Sir, your encouragement and unwavering support have made this journey a rewarding one, and I remain deeply grateful.

To my colleagues and subordinates, I say thank you for the teamwork, cooperation, and friendship that made every challenge surmountable. Together, we have shared long days, tough duties, and proud moments that will remain with me forever.

I am particularly humbled and honoured by the recognition and the award bestowed upon me today. This means a lot to me, not just as a symbol of my service, but as a reminder that diligence, integrity, and dedication never go unnoticed.

As I retire, I carry with me beautiful memories, valuable lessons, and a heart full of gratitude. I wish the Service continued success and greater achievements under the visionary leadership of our Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR and the entire management team.

The ceremony ended with presentations of plaques, cultural displays, and tributes from colleagues and stakeholders, all applauding the retirees for their years of distinguished service to the nation.

In its sustained efforts to curb cult-related violence and ensure a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the November 8, 2025 Governorship Election, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilante Operatives, in the early hours of today 26th October 2025 arrested 7 (seven) suspected members of the Black Axe Confraternity. The suspects were arrested during an initiation ceremony in a bush at Obinagu, Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area. One 25-litre keg containing red liquid substance, Red ritual cloth, 2 (two) wooden drums, Footwear belonging to the suspects and other accomplices were also recovered at the scene.

The suspects, all males include: Ugorji Emmanuel, 29 years, Ogamba Chinuike Anthony, 22 years, Chibuzor Agudiegu, 25 years, Destiny Okasi, 22 years, Udewulu Nzube, 19 years, Ifeanyi Anikpe, 21 years and Sunday Akuma, 20 years respectively.

Preliminary information revealed that the initiation activities were part of their evil ceremony and grooming for election thuggery in Njikoka and Anaocha Local Government areas. The suspects on sighting the operatives, attempted to flee, but were successfully apprehended after a swift chase. Meanwhile, an Investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest fleeing members of the syndicate and to uncover other linked cult cells within the axis.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc mnips PhD, reiterates that the Command will not tolerate activities that threaten peace, especially in the build-up to the Governorship Election. He urged parents, community leaders and youth groups to intensify moral guidance and discourage involvement in cultism and political violence. He also called on the public to continue providing credible information that can assist in preventing crime and apprehending criminal elements.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka

26th October 2025